Venting attachment for use with a toilet

ABSTRACT

A venting attachment for a toilet comprises a main body shaped similar to a toilet seat. The main body has a bottom, an inner wall and outer wall, which together define a channel, a frontal portion at a front end and frangible break line formations. The inner wall has a plurality of apertures defined therein in fluid communication with the channel. The outer wall has at least one vacuum port which is in fluid communication with the channel. The break line formations enable the frontal portion to be severed from a major rear portion of the main body. The attachment with or without the frontal portion can be mounted on the underside of the toilet seat. The frontal portion can be severed from the major rear portion when the toilet seat is open at its front end.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This relates to systems for ventilating bathrooms and, in particular, totoilet seat attachments for use with such systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well-known known that the use of a toilet will often cause abathroom to become malodorous. Being subjected to such malodours isunpleasant for those persons who subsequently use the bathroom. Severalmethods have accordingly been devised to remove or mask malodorous airin a bathroom. A common solution is to use bathroom fans mounted in theceiling or wall of a bathroom to remove the malodorous air. A bathroomfan, however, is only partially effective in removing the malodorousair. Because the malodorous air is not being eliminated at the source,in a conventional configuration, the bathroom fan must cycle asubstantial portion of the air in the bathroom before the malodorous airwill be completely removed. Another common solution is to use airfresheners, however, this is an incomplete solution, as it only masksthe malodorous air. Further, some people are allergic or sensitive tothe perfumes contained in air fresheners.

In recognition of these problems, a number of patents have describedtoilet ventilation systems having a suctioning device disposed in oraround the toilet seat. By providing a ventilation system at the source,such systems can prevent malodorous air from diffusing into the room.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,617,687 issued Oct. 21, 1986 to Wadsworth describes sucha toilet ventilation system. The described system has a conduit with afirst end and a second end and an exhaust fan. The exhaust fan is incommunication with the second end at a location remote from the toiletbowl. The first end is in communication with the toilet bowl. Theexhaust fan withdraws gases from the interior of the toilet bowl andexhausts gases at the location remote from the toilet bowl. The systemis configured such that a switch activates and deactivates the exhaustfan during the normal use of the toilet. The conduit is described as apassageway formed within the toilet seat.

Other patents describe attachments for use with a toilet ventilationsystem which are mounted on a toilet between the toilet seat and thetoilet bowl. An attachment can provide a more efficient alternative toreplacing an entire toilet seat.

Such an attachment is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,402,091 issued Sep.6, 1983 to Ellis et al. The attachment is hingedly connected to thewater closet adjacent to the tank so that the device is pivotable withrespect to both the toilet seat and toilet bowl. The attachmentcomprises a generally circular hollow ring body with an upper surfaceconfigured to form a seal with the bottom of the toilet seat and abottom surface configured to form a seal with the top of the toiletbowl. A downwardly extending lip portion extends inside the ring of thebowl and has a plurality of tubular evacuation apertures which are inopen communication with a vacuum source.

There is a need for an improved toilet seat attachment which isconfigurable for use with a domestic toilet or an industrial toilet, aswell as, toilets of various shapes and sizes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is disclosed aventing attachment for a toilet having a toilet bowl and a toilet seat.The attachment comprises a main body extending around a relatively largeopening. The main body is shaped similar to the toilet seat, has frontand rear ends, a channel and a plurality of apertures defined therein,at least one vacuum port, a frontal portion, and frangible break means.The channel substantially extends along at least two opposite sides ofthe body. The apertures are in fluid communication with the channel andthe large opening. The at least one vacuum port is in fluidcommunication with the channel. The frontal portion extends across thefront end. The frangible break means is formed in the main body atopposite ends of the frontal portion for severing the frontal portionfrom a major rear portion of the main body. In use, the attachment canbe mounted on the underside of the toilet seat such that the attachmentis positioned between the toilet seat and the toilet bowl. If the toiletseat is open at its front end, the frontal portion of the attachment canbe severed and discarded so that the major rear portion can be used forventing air from the toilet.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is disclosed aventing attachment for use with a toilet having a toilet seat. Theattachment comprises a main body shaped similar to the toilet seat. Themain body has a bottom inner wall and opposite outer wall which togetherdefine a channel, a frontal portion and frangible break line formations.The inner wall has a plurality of apertures defined therein and theapertures are in fluid communication with the channel. The outer wallhas at least one vacuum port which is in fluid communication with thechannel. The frontal portion is formed at a front end of the main body.The frangible break line formations define opposite ends of the frontalportion and enable the frontal portion to be severed from a major rearportion of the main body. In use, the frontal portion is severed fromthe major rear portion and not used for venting of the toilet seat whenthe toilet seat is open at its front end and the attachment with orwithout the frontal portion can be mounted on the underside of thetoilet seat with the open top side of the channel oriented towards anunderside of the toilet seat.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is disclosed aventing attachment for a toilet having a toilet bowl and a toilet seat.The attachment comprises a vent forming body defining and extendingaround an opening similar in size to an opening formed by said toiletseat. The body includes two similar, curved elongate side sections and abase section joining rear ends of the side sections together. The bodyforms a venting passageway that extends along the side sections in thelengthwise direction thereof. A plurality of apertures are distributedalong inner sides of the side sections and are in communication with thepassageway. There are also provided port means for evacuating air fromthe passageway, the port means being in fluid communication with thepassageway, and an expansion notch formed in the base section. Duringinstallation of the venting attachment, the expansion notch allowsoutward separation of the side sections from a first position to a moreoutward position whereby the attachment can be attached to and fittoilet seats of different sizes and shapes.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is disclosed aventing attachment for a toilet having a toilet bowl and a toilet seatpivotably attached to the bowl. The attachment comprises a main body andan electronic circuit. The main body forms a relatively large openingand is shaped similar to the toilet seat. The main body includes twoelongate side sections and a base section joining the sections, aventing passageway that extends along the side sections, a plurality ofapertures that are distributed along inner sides of the side sectionsthat face the opening, the apertures being in communication with thepassageway, and port means for evacuating air from the passageway. Theelectronic circuit is mounted in the main body and includes a proximitysensor for sensing a person sitting on the toilet seat and generating anelectrical signal indicative thereof and a transmitter for transmittingthe signal to a receiver of a control circuit for an air evacuationapparatus to which the port means can be operatively connected. The mainbody has at least one battery receiving chamber for holding at least onebattery for powering the electronic circuit.

Other advantages, features and characteristics of the disclosed ventingattachment, as well as methods of operation and functions of the relatedelements of the attachment, will become more apparent upon considerationof the following detailed description with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, which are briefly described herein below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the presentdisclosure pertains will more readily understand how to make and use thesubject invention, exemplary embodiments thereof will be described indetail herein below with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the top of the attachment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the bottom of the attachment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the encircled area 3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the encircled area 4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the encircled area 5 of FIG. 1, thisview showing a circuit board and two batteries mounted in theattachment;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view taken from the bottom side of the attachmentshowing the circuit board and the batteries separated along with a covertherefor;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view showing the top side of the cover, thecircuit board and attached batteries;

FIG. 8 is a schematic of the electronic components of the ventingattachment;

FIG. 9 is a schematic of a control circuit for the air evacuator;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the attachment showing backing paperpeeled back;

FIG. 11 shows the attachment mounted on the underside of a domestictoilet seat;

FIG. 12 shows the attachment mounted on the underside of an industrialtoilet seat;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a toilet with an exemplary version of theattachment mounted thereto; and,

FIG. 14 is a side view of a toilet having an exemplary version of theattachment mounted thereto and connected to a venting system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be discussed withreference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The attachment is indicated generally byreference numeral 20. The attachment 20 is shaped in a manner similar toa toilet seat which allows for it to be mounted on the underside of atoilet seat. An exemplary version of the attachment 20 can be made froma frangible plastic material. The attachment 20 however can be made ofanother frangible non-plastic material suitable for the intended use ofthis attachment. It is also possible to use a material which can bereadily cut by a suitable tool for the purpose indicated hereinafter.

An open channel 22 extends the periphery of the attachment 20. As bestshown in FIG. 1, in fluid communication with the open channel 22, thereare a plurality of generally inwardly facing apertures 34 and a pair ofgenerally outwardly facing ports 36. The apertures 34 are disposedaround the periphery of the attachment 20. If desired in order tomaximize venting effectiveness of the apertures 34, the apertures 34 canbe larger in cross-section adjacent the front of the attachment 20 andsmaller in cross-section adjacent the rear of the attachment 20.However, it is also possible for the apertures to be all equal in size.The ports 36 are laterally disposed at the rear of the attachment 20 andhave nipples 38. The nipples 38 are each adapted to connect to the endof a length of hose which is connected to a suctioning device of aventing system. Thus the ports 36 can be in fluid communication with thesuctioning device.

A pair of transverse walls 24 interrupt the open channel 22 in theexemplary version of the attachment. A pair of transverse grooves 28 inthe attachment 20 define a frontal portion 26 thereof. As shown in FIG.3, the pair of transverse grooves 28 are proximate the transverse walls24 and are inward from the transverse walls 24 in the lateral directionof the attachment such that, upon severance of the frontal portion 26 atthe transverse grooves 28, the transverse walls 24 remain with the mainpart of the attachment 20. Although the transverse grooves 28 areillustrated in FIG. 3 as being defined on the interior surface of theopen channel 22, it is also possible for them to be defined on theexterior surface of the open channel 22 or to be defined on bothsurfaces.

As will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art, thecross section of the attachment 20 is reduced at the transverse grooves28 thereby compromising the structural integrity of the attachment 20along the transverse grooves 28. As such, when the attachment 20 issufficiently stressed near the transverse grooves 28, attachment 20 willbreak at the transverse grooves 28. By breaking the attachment 20 atboth of the transverse grooves 28, the frontal portion 26 can be severedfrom the attachment 20. Such severability of the frontal portion 26provides for an attachment that is configurable for use with eitherdomestic toilets or industrial toilets.

An expansion notch 30 is also defined in the attachment 20 at a locationsubstantially opposite to the frontal portion 26. FIGS. 1 and 2illustrate the exemplary version of the attachment 20 with the expansionnotch 30 directly opposite to the frontal portion 26. However, there canbe more than one expansion notch and the expansion notches do not needto be directly opposite to the frontal portion. As best shown in FIG. 4,the expansion notch 30 interrupts the open channel 22 such that the bodyof the attachment 20 consists of only a thin piece of plastic at the tipor bottom of the expansion notch 30.

As will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art, with thefrontal portion 26 severed, the thin strip of plastic at the tip of theexpansion notch 30 will yield to allow for the expansion and contractionof the body of the attachment 20. Such expandability and contractibilityof the body of the attachment 20 provides for an attachment that isconfigurable for use with toilets of various shapes and sizes.

A battery receiving chamber 40 is shown in FIG. 5. A transverse wall 42and one of the pair of transverse walls 24 define the chamber 40. Anelectronic circuit 100 on a circuit board, which has been shaped to fitinto the chamber 40, is mounted therein. In the exemplary version ofattachment 20, a pair of batteries 102 are mounted on the circuit boardand connected to the electronic circuit 100. The pair of batteries 102which are shown are of the CR2032 type. However, it is also possible forthe electronic circuit 100 to be adapted to hold batteries of othertypes such as, for example, batteries of the AAA or 9-Volt type. Thechamber 40 can be covered by a detachable cover 41 having a wide centralsection to cover the batteries 102. At one end of the cover is aflexible tab 43 which is adapted to engage a catch 45 formed at one endof the chamber 40. The end of the cover at 47 can be recessed so that aslot is formed between this end of the cover and the adjacent edge ofthe attachment. This slot allows insertion of a small tool (such as theend of a screwdriver) in order to flex the tab 43 inwardly towards thecenter of the cover so that the tab will disengage from the catch,thereby allowing removal of the cover.

A schematic of the electronic circuit 100 of the exemplary version ofthe attachment 20 is shown in FIG. 8 and a schematic of the circuit witha receiver 200 for the venting system is shown in FIG. 9. The electroniccircuit 100 includes voltage regulator 104, proximity sensor 106, ashort distance wireless transmitter 108 and processor 110. Thetransmitter 108 can be a type of transmitter well known in theelectronic art. The pair of batteries 102 are connected to the voltageregulator 104 which regulates the voltage provided therefrom. Thevoltage regulator 104 provides regulated power to the sensor 106, thetransmitter 108 and processor 110. The sensor 106 provides an electricsignal to the processor 110 upon detecting the presence of a usersitting on the toilet seat. The processor 110 is configured to providean electric signal to the transmitter 108 when certain conditionprecedents are satisfied. For example, one condition may be that thesensor 106 has detected a user for at least two-seconds; another may bethat the sensor 106 has detected a user within a sufficient proximity tothe sensor.

If the processor 110 determines the necessary criteria has beensatisfied, an electric signal is provided to the transmitter 108, whichtransmits an electromagnetic signal to be received by the receiver 200of the venting system. The signal from the receiver is routed to amicroprocessor 202 and if the signal satisfies criteria of “start”command, the microprocessor turns a semiconductor switch into ON stateactivating a motor 204 of the air evacuation apparatus. In this way, theproximity sensor 106 acts as an “on” switch for the air evacuationapparatus.

The electronic circuit may be constructed from standard components. Forexample, in the exemplary embodiment of the attachment 20, the voltageregulator is a Texas-Instruments™ Step-Up Regulator, Part No.TPS61097-33 and the processor is an Atmel™ 8-Bit AVR™ Microcontroller,Part No. ATTINY13A. The transmitter 140, which employs OOK (on-offkeyed) modulation, can be a SAW (Abracon™ PNASR303-825E) stabilized baseColpitts oscillator. The transmitted signal can be received by a MICREL™Sweep-Mode Receiver, Part No. MICRF008.

The microprocessor 202 is responsible for recognizing and verifyingcommands from the receiver 200, controlling the motor 204, and providingadditional functionality i.e. operation time lag after “stop” command.The power voltage level for both the receiver 200 and the motorprocessor 202 is regulated by a second voltage regulator 205 which in anexemplary version of the circuit is part no. LM78I05A/S0. Input to thisregulator is direct current (DC) which in the exemplary embodiment is onthe level of 12 VDC. This regulator can be connected to a standard DCwall outlet adapter that provides DC current. This system isparticularly suited for use with an air filter when a fan driven by themotor 204 draws air through the filter (not shown).

The sensor can be any which is suitable for detecting the presence of auser of the toilet such as, for example, an infrared sensor. Althoughonly one sensor is described as being used in the electric circuit, itshould be appreciated that multiple sensors, which act as additionalinputs, can be connected to the processor. Such a configuration could beemployed, for example, to increase the accuracy of detection or toprovide redundancy.

Turning now to FIG. 10, the method of mounting the exemplary embodimentof the attachment 20 to the toilet will now be discussed. The attachment20 has parallel, spaced-apart lips 54 which extend the circumference ofits body. An adhesive material 56 is disposed on the surface of each lip54 and is covered by a paper backing 58. The paper backing 58 protectsthe adhesive material 56 from contamination. Prior to installation ofthe attachment 20, the paper backing 58 is peeled back to expose theadhesive material 56. Immediately thereafter, the attachment 20 isoriented with the lips 54 facing the underside of the toilet seat andpressed against the underside of the toilet seat so as to engage theadhesive material 56. In this way, the attachment 20 is mounted to theunderside of the toilet seat.

The functions of the frontal portion 26 and the expansion notch 30 areillustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 which show the attachment mounted on theunderside of a toilet seat. FIG. 11 shows the attachment 20 configuredfor use on a domestic toilet seat forming a complete oval that extendsentirely around the top of the bowl. The attachment 20, being in thegeneral shape of a toilet seat, does not protrude past the horizontalboundaries of the toilet seat. FIG. 12 shows the attachment 20configured for use on and mounted on an industrial toilet with a largeprofile. As illustrated, the frontal portion 26 of the attachment 20 hasbeen severed to account for the gap at the front of the industrialtoilet seat and the body of the attachment 20 has been expanded toconform with the large profile of the industrial toilet seat. Similarly,it will be appreciated that, in the case of a domestic toilet seat withno gap at its front end and with a small or large profile, the frontalportion 26 can be removed to allow the body of the attachment 20 to becontracted or expanded as appropriate or needed to allow the attachmentto fit properly on the bottom of the seat.

It should be understood that while the material for the attachment hasbeen described as being frangible, the material properties and grooveand notch dimensions must be selected such that the attachment isfrangible at the grooves but yieldable at the notch, such selectioninvolving a routine exercise of skill for persons of skill in the art.

Turning now to FIGS. 13 and 14, the functioning of the exemplaryembodiment of the attachment 20 when mounted on a toilet 70 andconnected to a venting system 80 will now be discussed. As shown in FIG.14, the toilet 70 has a toilet seat 72 and toilet bowl 74 and theventing system 80 has a pair of hoses 82 (only one is shown) and an airevacuation apparatus 84. The attachment 20 is mounted to the toilet seat72. The venting system 80 is in communication with the attachment 20 viathe hoses 82 which are connected to the nipples 38.

Prior to use, the toilet seat 72 will be placed in the down positionsuch that the attachment 20 is positioned between the toilet seat 72 andthe toilet bowl 74. The user will then sit on the toilet seat 70 withhis or her body substantially covering the opening to the toilet bowl74. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that, in use, the toilet bowlwill be substantially enclosed.

From this position, the sensor 106 will detect the presence of a user onthe toilet seat 72 and send an electric signal to the processor 110. Inturn, the processor 110 will send an electric signal to the transmitter108 which will transmit an electromagnetic signal (which, in theexemplary embodiment, is a UHF signal). This signal will be received bythe receiver 200 which will activate the switch 202 to provide power tothe motor circuit 204, thereby turning on air evacuation apparatus 84.

Accordingly, the air evacuation apparatus 84 will suction the malodorousair into the apertures 34, through the channel 22, out the ports 36 andthrough the nipples 38 to the venting system 80. The malodorous air canthereafter be handled by the venting system 80 by conventional methodssuch as, for example, venting the air to an external location or passingthe air through a carbon filter.

The advantage of providing a severable frontal portion and an expansionnotch is that the present venting attachment is configurable for usewith a range of toilets. The expansion notch permits the body to expandor contract when the frontal portion is severed such that the attachmentis mountable to toilet seats of various shapes and sizes. This resultsin cost savings in the manufacture and distribution of the attachmentsand improved convenience for the consumer as a range of toilets can besupported with a relatively low number of different attachments.

While the present invention has been illustrated and described asembodied in various exemplary embodiments, e.g., embodiments havingparticular utility for venting systems, it is to be understood that thepresent invention is not limited to the details shown herein, since itwill be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutionsand changes in the forms and details of the disclosed venting attachmentand its operation may be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting in any way from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

1. A venting attachment for a toilet having a toilet bowl and a toiletseat, the attachment comprising: a main body extending around arelatively large opening, said main body being shaped similar to thetoilet seat, having front and rear ends, and having: a channel definedtherein, the channel substantially extending along at least two oppositesides of the body; a plurality of apertures defined therein, theapertures in fluid communication with the channel and said largeopening; at least one vacuum port in fluid communication with thechannel; a frontal portion extending across said front end; andfrangible break means formed in said main body at opposite ends of saidfrontal portion for severing said frontal portion from a major rearportion of the main body, wherein, in use, the attachment can be mountedon the underside of the toilet seat such that the attachment ispositioned between the toilet seat and the toilet bowl and, if thetoilet seat is open at its front end, the frontal portion of theattachment can be severed and discarded so that the major rear portioncan be used for venting air from the toilet.
 2. The venting attachmentof claim 1, wherein said break means comprises a pair of grooves locatedat opposite ends of the frontal portion, said grooves extendingtransversely relative to the channel.
 3. The venting attachment of claim1 wherein said main body has at least one expansion notch defined in arear end section thereof.
 4. The venting attachment of claim 3, whereinthe at least one expansion notch permits deflection of opposite sidesections of the main body when the frontal portion is severed from themain body.
 5. The venting attachment of claim 1, wherein the main bodyfurther has at least one nipple in fluid communication with the at leastone vacuum port, the at least one nipple being adapted for connectionwith an inlet of a vacuum system for withdrawing air from the toiletbowl via said venting attachment.
 6. The attachment of claim 1, whereinthe main body further has a pair of transverse walls which interrupt thechannel, the transverse walls positioned proximate to the frontalportion such that the transverse walls remain with the major rearportion when the frontal portion is severed.
 7. A venting attachment foruse with a toilet having a toilet seat, the attachment comprising a mainbody shaped similar to the toilet seat, the main body having: a bottom,an inner wall, and an opposite outer wall which together define achannel, the inner wall having a plurality of apertures defined therein,the apertures in fluid communication with the channel, the outer wallhaving at least one vacuum port which is in fluid communication with thechannel; a frontal portion formed at a front end of the main body; andfrangible break line formations defining opposite ends of said frontalportion and enabling said frontal portion to be severed from a majorrear portion of the main body wherein, in use, said frontal portion issevered from the major rear portion and not used for venting of thetoilet seat when said toilet seat is open at its front end and theattachment with or without the frontal portion can be mounted on theunderside of the toilet seat with the open top side of the channeloriented towards an underside of the toilet seat.
 8. The ventingattachment of claim 7, wherein said break line formations comprise apair of transversely extending grooves.
 9. The venting attachment ofclaim 7 including an expansion notch formed in the main body in a rearside thereof located opposite said frontal portion.
 10. The attachmentof claim 9, wherein the expansion notch provides for the deflection ofopposite side sections of the main body when the frontal portion issevered from the main body.
 11. The attachment of claim 8, wherein themain body further has at least one nipple in fluid communication withthe at least one vacuum port, the at least one nipple being adapted forconnection with an inlet of a vacuum system for withdrawing air from abowl of the toilet and being located at a rear end of said main body.12. The attachment of claim 8, wherein the main body further has a pairof transverse walls which interrupt the channel, the transverse wallspositioned proximate to the frontal portion such that the transversewalls remain with a remaining rear portion of the attachment when thefrontal portion is severed.
 13. A venting attachment for a toilet havinga toilet bowl and a toilet seat, the attachment comprising; a ventforming body defining and extending around an opening similar in size toan opening formed by said toilet seat, said body including: two similar,curved elongate side sections and a base section joining rear ends ofsaid side sections together, said body forming a venting passageway thatextends along said side sections in the lengthwise direction thereof, aplurality of apertures that are distributed along inner sides of saidside sections and are in communication with said passageway, port meansfor evacuating air from said passageway, said port means being in fluidcommunication with said passageway, and an expansion notch formed insaid base section, wherein during installation of said ventingattachment, said expansion notch allows outward separation of said sidesections from a first position to a more outward position whereby saidattachment can be attached to and fit toilet seats of different sizesand shapes.
 14. A venting attachment according to claim 13 wherein saidelongate side sections and said base section are integrally connected toone another and said notch is located midway along the length of saidbase section.
 15. A venting attachment according to claim 14, whereinsaid port means includes two vacuum ports located on opposite sides ofsaid notch and said venting passageway includes two vent passagesections each having a closed end at its respective side of said notchand each in communication with a respective one of said vacuum ports.16. A venting attachment according to claim 14, wherein said bodyincludes a separable frontal portion extending between and joining saidelongate side sections and, during installation of said ventingattachment, said frontal portion is separated from the remaining portionof the attachment if outward separation of said side sections from theirfirst position is required for installation.
 17. A venting attachmentfor a toilet having a toilet bowl and a toilet seat pivotably attachedto the bowl, the attachment being adapted for attachment to the toiletseat and comprising a main body forming a relatively large opening andshaped similar to the toilet seat, said main body including two elongateside sections and a base section joining said sections, a ventingpassageway that extends along said side sections, a plurality ofapertures that are distributed along inner sides of said side sectionsthat face said opening, said apertures being in communication with saidpassageway, and port means for evacuating air from said passageway, andan electronic circuit mounted in said main body, said circuit includinga proximity sensor for sensing a person sitting on said toilet seat andgenerating an electrical signal indicative thereof and a transmitter fortransmitting said signal to a receiver of a control circuit for an airevacuation apparatus to which said port means can be operativelyconnected, wherein said main body has at least one battery receivingchamber for holding at least one battery for powering said electroniccircuit.
 18. A venting attachment, according to claim 17, wherein saidelectronic circuit including a circuit board on which said at least onebattery can be mounted and a cavity in which said circuit board ismounted is formed in one of said side sections.
 19. A venting attachmentaccording to claim 17, wherein said main body includes a frontal portionwhich connects front ends of said two side sections and frangible breaklines at opposite ends of said frontal portion for severing said frontalportion from said side sections when required for installation of theattachment on said toilet seat.
 20. A venting attachment according toclaim 18, wherein said port means includes two vacuum ports formed in anouter wall of said base section and two nipples each operativelyconnected to a respective one of said vacuum ports and located onopposite sides of a central expansion notch formed in said base section.